Straightening irons, straighteners, or flat irons work by breaking down the positive hydrogen bonds found in the hair’s cortex, which cause hair to open, bend and become curly.

 

Hair straighteners are multi-purpose; they not only straighten your hair but also can be used to curl your hair.

 

Flat irons or straighteners are key to getting glossy, smooth hair. Straighteners come in all sizes, materials and shapes, so it’s confusing knowing which one to buy. It’s important to choose wisely to prevent damaging your precious strands.

 

Below are hair straightener for four different hair types.

 

1. Thin and fine hair

Thin and fine hair is damaged easily. Avoid straighteners that have just one heat setting. Pick a straightener with multiple heat settings; this will allow you to control the heat. Also, you don’t need much heat because it’s relatively easy to straighten fine hair.

 

Ceramic hair straighteners are great for smoothening out hair and reducing frizz. Ceramic plates evenly distribute heat, hold heat for long and control heat.

 

2. Thick hair

Choose a straightener that has higher heat settings. This will allow you to straighten your hair in one or two strokes. If you have a low-temperature setting, you will have to go over and over the same section of hair repeatedly, increasing the chances of damaging cuticles.

 

Titanium straighteners heat up quickly and keep the heat consistent. Because these plates heat up quickly and maintain a high temperature, straightening thick hair becomes easier. You don’t have to go over and over the same section of hair, thus minimizing damage.

 

Also read:
– Five Beautiful Ways To Care For Your Curly Hair
– Six Hair Hacks To Save Time After A Workout
– Grow Your Natural Hair Faster With These Ten Effective Tips

 

3. Curly hair

Curly hair is the most prone to frizz and one of the most difficult hair types to straighten. To make your life easier, invest in a flat iron with wider plates as they provide more grip and they straighten larger portions of hair, all in one go. Also, this will cut down your styling time by half.

 

Tourmaline straighteners are particularly good for those with curly, frizzy hair, as they’re highly effective even at a lower temperature.

 

4. Damaged hair

Well, the best straightener for damaged hair is no straightener at all. But if you have to, then it’s best to pick one that has multiple heat settings. This way, you prevent exposing your strands to extreme temperatures that lead to hair damage.

 

Also, one with rounded edges will prevent snagging and hair loss. Just don’t forget to use a heat protectant while you are at it.

 

For damaged hair, a hot brush is your best bet as it distributes the heat evenly and also gives a sleek, smooth finish. Simply turn it on and brush your hair normally; it’s that simple. If you are in the market for a flat iron, pick one with titanium plates that use ionic technology to seal the cuticle as it straightens, implying extra shine and zero frizz.

 

So the next time you go shopping for a hair straightener, ensure it is one that best suits your hair type.

 

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